Cha Cha Cha

In literature either Mambo or Rumba are stated as forerunners of Cha Cha. Both sources may be equally correct as sometimes Rumba was played in slower tempo and dancers started to add two more steps over 4 & 1 beats. On the other hand, Rumba’s faster tempo was called the Mambo, which soon developed a ‘triple mambo’ or ‘mambo with giro rhythm’ variation. With five steps to a bar (1, 2, 3, 4 &) and two bars to a basic it evolved to a new dance called Cha Cha Cha (later shortened to Cha Cha), due to the sound of shoes on the floor while dancing 4 & 1 rhythm.

The dance became popular in North America and Europe in middle 1950’s. Cha Cha retained much of the Mambo and Rumba style, in that feet remain close to the floor, upper body is relaxed but upright, knees straighten on half beats between steps and there is a lot of strong hip action.

The tempo of Cha Cha is 120-128 beats per minute. The traditional music contains African staccato rhythms in Cuban music with western Jazz influence. It is distinguishable from other Latin dances by a vocal trademark that creates light atmosphere and playfulness.